other people, and keep the Brownie Guide Law.'' Like thousands of little girls around the world, local members repeat the Brownie oath each week at the beginning of their meetings.

It is a starting point from which characters are built, responsibility taught, and self-esteem enhanced.

In carrying out its aims, the Brownie Guide movement adopts a special approach and attitude, and a particular spirit in the way things are done.

Young members are expected to be wide awake, alert and observant. Games and activities assume that Brownies are able to think for themselves and willing to be trained for anything.

"I tell the girls from the beginning that they have to develop within themselves the ability to make things happen. Then goal-setting comes into play. That gives character building and self-determination,'' said Mrs. Cathy Bassett, leader of the First Devonshire Pack, or Brown Owl as she is officially known. "I tell them that Brownies are little people who can make a difference.'' And the many ways the girls learn to make a difference are based on an eight-point programme which provides abundant opportunities to develop the mind, physical fitness, character, creative ability, personal relationships, a readiness and ability to serve others, homecraft skills, and enjoyment of the outdoors.

"Each of the points presents challenges for the girls to go after, and for each challenge there are badges to be earned,'' Mrs. Bassett explained.

"There are games to go along with the challenges as well as outdoor field trips and community service activities which also fit into the programme.'' Indeed, a Brownie's life is never dull -- not least because Mrs. Bassett involves her charges in planning the meetings for the year ahead.

"I use the thematic approach and each month the girls assign a theme,'' she explained. "October, for example, might be creepy-crawly month and some of the nature projects might be observing bugs and caterpillars, and it might also include a trip to the beach or the Aquarium.'' In the course of earning badges, the girls have almost unlimited options.

Everything from entertaining to chess, photography, cooking, needlecraft and swimming are viable.

"What I try to instil in them is that goal-setting is something which starts early in life,'' Mrs. Bassett said. "They are taught to set reachable goals which they know they can achieve. Once they have achieved a goal self-esteem is increased, they feel good about themselves, and then they can set another goal.'' Typical of the indoor activities included in the First Devonshire Pack programme are craft making, development of a special hobby or talent, cooking, sewing, computer technology, chess and even presenting a tea party. Outdoor activities may include nature trail walks and swimming.

First Devonshire members are also Rock Watchers -- "That enables us to look at the environment as a whole and see how we can improve it,'' Mrs. Bassett said.

In explaining how some of the badges might be achieved, Mrs. Bassett said that for photography the girls had to create a story using snapshots.

"That takes a lot of organisation. They collect a series of pictures of themselves as they progress through the Brownie movement. Some girls put them into an album and when they leave they have a chance to share it with the new girls coming in.'' Hostess and entertainer's badges require them to decide on a venue, date, time and theme for an event, make and distribute their own invitations, greet their guests, and prepare and serve the food.

Such activities teach the youngsters to become organised at a very early age, their leader noted.

"At their meetings they are continually extracting knowledge so that when they go out and do something it is not a difficult task for them,'' she said.

Reflection time is built into their training "to let the girls see what they have achieved,'' and they are also taught how to present themselves and speak well in public.

The annual autumn camps on Darrell's Island are always a big hit, with parents assisting the leader in various ways. The camps normally have a theme, and tasks are assigned to the Brownies on a rotating basis, which also afford them opportunities to earn badges for such things as cooking, swimming and entertainment.

A good rapport exists between the Brownies and various segments of the community. Guest speakers include members of the Bermuda Police, veterinarians and nutritionists. Volunteer examiners for various badge tests are also drawn from such sources.

Apart from personal development, the Brownie Guide movement also offers group development by giving girls an opportunity to meet people from other schools beside their own, and generally have fun.

"After a day's teaching, the Brownies rejuvenate me. Seven-year-olds like to laugh a lot, and something funny happens every week,'' Mrs. Bassett said.

Herself a former Brownie with the First White Hill Brownie Pack led by Mrs.

James-Pringle and Mrs. Hazel Richardson, Cathy Bassett has been a Brown Owl for a decade -- thanks to the inspiration of Mrs. Judith Anderson, former principal of Friendship Vale School.

Asked what she liked about her role, her response was unhesitating. "I feel I am making a difference. It brings a lot of excitement into my life. I play games with the girls, I laugh with them. It is one way I can have some real fun and get away with it!'' Viewed overall, she said the Bermuda Guides Association, of which the Brownies is a part, was a positive influence for good on a girl's life no matter what her reasons for joining.

"It gives her a belief and a pride in herself,'' Mrs. Bassett said. "The movement has done a lot to promote leadership in Bermuda. While some look on the Brownies as an all-girls club, others see it as a chance to get away from their siblings and do something for themselves.'' Further information on joining the Brownies is available from Bermuda Guides Association Island Commissioner Mrs. Florenz Maxwell at 236-3727 (evenings), or fax 238-3278.

WHAT A HOOT! -- Fun-loving Brownie Guides of the First Devonshire Pack share a laugh with their leader, Mrs. Cathy Bassett (back row), whose official title is Brown Owl.